Sodium Guidelines Set by the FDA

Sodium-free – less than 5 milligrams of sodium per serving
Very low-sodium – 35 milligrams or less per serving
Low-sodium – 140 milligrams or less per serving
Reduced sodium – usual sodium level is reduced by 25 percent
Unsalted, no salt added or without added salt – made without the salt that's normally used, but still contains the sodium that's a natural part of the food itself

The FDA and USDA state that an individual food that has the claim "healthy" must not exceed 480 mg sodium per reference amount. "Meal type" products must not exceed 600 mg sodium per labeled serving size.

Related AHA publications:

Shaking Your Salt Habit... to lower blood pressure brochure
Easy Food Tips for Heart-Healthy Eating (also in Spanish) brochure
"How Do I Read Food Labels?" and "Why Should I Limit Sodium?" printable sheets in Answers By Heart kit
American Heart Association Low-Salt Cookbook

Related AHA Scientific Statements:
Diet/Nutrition